Grand Floral Parade: Portlanders out early to stake out their favorite viewing spots

View full sizeBenjamin Brink/The OregonianGary Meierotto of Portland tends to his spot for the Grand Floral parade about 6:30 a.m. Friday at Southwest Fourth Avenue and Alder Street. He's viewed the parade at this location for 11 years. He considers it the best seat.

Some early birds are staking out their prime viewing spots for Saturday's Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade through the streets of Portland. Following rules put in place in 2008, spectators can no longer duct tape hunks of sidewalk in reserve, but people who choose to sit along the route early are OK.

The capstone events of the Rose Festival kick off Saturday at Memorial Coliseum with the coronation of the 2011 Queen of Rosaria.

From there, the annual parade begins about 10 a.m., crossing the river and winding through downtown Portland. The theme for this year is "Carnival of Roses" and 13 floats are in the lineup.

As for the parade forecast, you might want to take your ponchos or an umbrella. The National Weather Service predicts a chance for drizzle before 11 a.m., but then skies should be partly sunny, with a high near 67. That's clear and dry for you to take part in the CityFair events in Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Be sure to come back to OregonLive.com on Saturday to learn who the 2011 queen is, and for stories, photos and videos of the day's events.